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Why did Boaz choose to make yibum to get the field of Machlon and Kilion. Couldn't he just buy the field from Ruth?

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Who said he was obligated? – Double AA♦ Mar 11 '12 at 21:24
@DoubleAA If he had other options then why he hurried up Tov with his decision. He could just buy the field directly from Ruth. – jutky Mar 11 '12 at 21:26
Obligation is different from a good thing. Maybe Boaz rushed Ploni because he wanted to marry Rut for personal and/or mitzvah-spirit related reasons. That does not at all imply that he is obligated. In terms of Hilchot Yibbum he was definitely not obligated to do anything. – Double AA♦ Mar 11 '12 at 21:34
@DoubleAA I always was under an impression that yibum was his only option. If you think I'm wrong you are welcome to post it as an answer. – jutky Mar 11 '12 at 21:39
Post Mattan Torah, Yibbum is only an obligation for paternal brothers of the deceased. Neither Boaz nor Ploni was a brother of Machlon, so there was no Yibbum obligation to Rut. I still think your question is worthwhile if you ask why Boaz chose to group marrying Rut and buying the land together when he wasn't obligated do either. – Double AA♦ Mar 11 '12 at 21:43
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1 Answer

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It would appear that nothing here was in the bounds of absolute strict obligation. (The Torah only strictly obligates yibum for the brother of the deceased; Boaz and Ploni were more distant relatives.) Nonetheless, it was felt that to honor Elimelech's memory, it was appropriate that one person both buy his ancestral fields, so they'd be back in the family, and marry the widow. I guess if it's an honor, you don't go in halfsies.

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